So there is no aftermarket 6FL equivalent, or something that is as good?

You can always install the OEM 6FL retrofit yourself -or get some help- and save some real bucks... once installed then it will only need dealer programming.

Or, I think that you could end up paying slightly over half of the OEM 6FL retrofit $1200 dealer cost that you posted if you get the Dension Gateway 500 USB aftermarket module, and the installation would be way easier because it uses the OEM CD Changer connection: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84125

You might need to get an OEM CD Changer (you can borrow one from a good -a very good friend is much better- friend with an E9x and save some money) as you will need the CD Changer physically installed in your car for programming. If your car already has a CD Changer then installation is virtually plug 'n play, as no programming will be needed: the Gateway will mimic a CD Changer, with full display and control interface thru your OEM HU or iDrive.

You can always install the OEM 6FL retrofit yourself -or get some help- and save some real bucks... once installed then it will only need dealer programming.

Or, I think that you could end up paying slightly over half of the OEM 6FL retrofit $1200 dealer cost that you posted if you get the Dension Gateway 500 USB aftermarket module, and the installation would be way easier because it uses the OEM CD Changer connection: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84125

You might need to get an OEM CD Changer (you can borrow one from a good -a very good friend is much better- friend with an E9x and save some money) as you will need the CD Changer physically installed in your car for programming. If your car already has a CD Changer then installation is virtually plug 'n play, as no programming will be needed: the Gateway will mimic a CD Changer, with full display and control interface thru your OEM HU or iDrive.

The mObridge kit is light years faster than the BMW kit, USB compliant to support charging of current model iPods/3G iPhone and firmware updateable.

If anyone has used the OTC BMW iPod kit, you'll immediately know what I mean. As far as the Gateway goes - it's beyond buggy in the BMW platforms.

I had the OEM Retrofit put in last week...it is very annoying as it takes over a minute to load my iPod (3rd Generation) with about 4K songs. The user guides states that if the iPod is playing and one turns the car off; it would resume from the last song...not the case. So, I will visit the dealer to address this issue; possibly remove the kit altogether.
The slow response may be due to the old iPod, I just don't know. I tried a nano that responded quicker, but it also had considerably less content.

FYI:
The iPod kit is listed at $319.95 (I got a 10% discount) and the labor was $152/hour for 3.0 hours. I ended paying about $750.00...$1,200.00 is too expensive.

tom:
Since my e92 was reprogrammed after the OEM iPod kit was installed, would I need to install a CD changer and have the car reprogrammed prior to installing the mObridge kit?
I think you already know that, to use the OEM iPod kit, the CD Changer may no longer be available as the kit takes over.

I had the OEM Retrofit put in last week...it is very annoying as it takes over a minute to load my iPod (3rd Generation) with about 4K songs. The user guides states that if the iPod is playing and one turns the car off; it would resume from the last song...not the case. So, I will visit the dealer to address this issue; possibly remove the kit altogether.
The slow response may be due to the old iPod, I just don't know. I tried a nano that responded quicker, but it also had considerably less content.

FYI:
The iPod kit is listed at $319.95 (I got a 10% discount) and the labor was $152/hour for 3.0 hours. I ended paying about $750.00...$1,200.00 is too expensive.

tom:
Since my e92 was reprogrammed after the OEM iPod kit was installed, would I need to install a CD changer and have the car reprogrammed prior to installing the mObridge kit?
I think you already know that, to use the OEM iPod kit, the CD Changer may no longer be available as the kit takes over.

Any info is appreciated! Thanks!

You will need to be programmed for a changer, the activation codes are different. The mObridge will replace the CD Changer (if equipped).

Don't know what the BMW installation is like, but from the box and description of the mobridge, it looks like just a single plug from the cd changer, then your inputs. Sounds like a 30 minute job, right?

Don't know what the BMW installation is like, but from the box and description of the mobridge, it looks like just a single plug from the cd changer, then your inputs. Sounds like a 30 minute job, right?

What about dealer programming? Should this be no issue?

Expect about 45 minutes for installation, its relatively simple after the radio is removed.

Coding is required if there is not a CD Changer present. We can perform the coding in-house if you would like to DIY the mObridge on your own and learn a bit about your M3, which we always encourage.